Sparks flew from tangled swords, synthesized trumpets blared, artificial smoke clung to the ground, strobe lights flashed, and the PA system magnified everything to the nth: Clearly this was Medieval Spain.
Even the mediocre food couldn’t dull my enthusiasm. I sat in the blue section, cheering for the blue Knight. “Chop off his ear” I cried out when our blue hero fought the yellow knight. He didn’t hear me. I was modelling appropriate behavior for the crowd of 10-year olds at a birthday party.
Disappointingly little blood was spilled, but our Roman coliseum instincts where roused. That is what makes Medieval Times good theatre that runs seven nights a week in some of the nine North American “castles.” It haliberds the guts out of television.
Last Saturday was my second visit to Medieval Times in Toronto. During my first, a number of quite passable actors filled the main speaking roles, which made the experience even more enjoyable. It was easier to suspend disbelief and give in.
The concept of a royal feast with knights competing on horseback is just as compelling now as it was a millennium ago. The games are real and challenging. The fight sequences and events that seem staged are a relief. I’d hate to see someone lose a digit or be gored with a lance while I’m eating. I’m not squeamish, I just had a really good seat.
